High Park is way more than selfie crowds and cherry blossoms. With over 400 acres of mostly natural park space, High Park is a beloved Toronto landmark that was first opened to the public in 1876. Amidst the beauty of the Humber River, High Park is best known among runners for its steep inclines.

There are both road and grass trail options but keep in mind that High Park can get busy with cyclists and other sports enthusiasts.

Easily accessible by TTC via High Park Station, High Park is boarded by Bloor St. in the north, Parkside Dr. in the west, The Queensway in the south, and Ellis Ave. in the east. There are countless loops to explore depending on what your workout is and how your legs are feeling. The park is large but it’s hard to get completely lost, however, there are many alternate paths so look at a map ahead of your run or keep your GPS handy. Here are a couple of routes to get you started.

4km High Park Loop

Head west on Bloor St. towards Parkside Dr. and then head south. and then head east on High Park Ave. and then up Spring Rd. Here’s a map overview.

5.1km High Park Loop

The outer loop along West Rd. and then up Spring Rd. is roughly 5km and 55m in elevation. Here are some detailed directions if you’re checking out the area for the first time.

Hill Repeats

If you’re looking to give your quads a work out to remember, the hill on Centre Rd. is around 100m in elevation. The lower part of Colborne Lodge is also quite steep but the sharp turns can be a little tricky if you’re doing hill repeats here.

For some variability and some serious incline, definitely check out High Park. After you’ve finished your work out, treat yourself to breakfast at the Grenadier Cafe!